Justin Rose spotted doing something completely different on the practice green at Pinehurst ahead of the US Open

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Justin Rose was spotted doing something very unusual on the practice green at Pinehurst ahead of the 2024 U.S. Open.

The 2013 champion is looking to build on his impressive PGA Championship performance. His T6 finish at Valhalla was a reminder to the world’s best the Englishman is still capable of competing in the major championships.

Having captured the U.S. Open at Merion 11 years ago, the 43-year-old knows what’s required to win golf’s toughest major championship – and he will be quietly confident of handling Pinehurst’s conditions.

And, in preparation for Thursday’s first round, Rose was spotted honing a particular skill on the practice green.

Justin Rose takes the range to the putting green

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Typically, baskets of balls are used when players are hitting several longer-distance shots onto the driving range.

Rose, however, whilst preparing for Pinehurst’s greens, was seen hitting a basket of range balls from off the practice green with his putter.

Golf writer for The Athletic, Gabby Herzig, shared more details and footage of Rose on X.

She wrote: “Very cool seeing players take range buckets to the chipping area to hit putts from the fairway grass like Justin Rose is doing here.

“We’re going to see some short-game sorcery at Pinehurst, and personally, I cannot wait.”

The flat stick looks like it’s going to decide the US Open this week

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With several players putting from off the greens, the flat stick will play a big part in deciding who will claim the U.S. Open title on Sunday evening.

Pinehurst’s slopes and run-off areas mean the world’s best players are looking to be inventive in the way they navigate the greens.

Many appear to be taking inspiration from Martin Kaymer’s 2014 win at Pinehurst. The German used his putter for practically all his shots in and around the greens and ended up recording a remarkable scramble rate of 70 per cent.

Whoever comes remotely near Kaymer’s record-breaking score this week will no doubt claim the U.S. Open title on Sunday evening.